Research Scientist, Materials Characterization

Develop and perform high-fidelity thermodynamic, transport, and spectroscopic measurements of materials, including electronic, magnetic, and thermal properties

Design and implement rapid property measurement schemes to scale up the material characterization process and feed AI-guided discovery pipelines

In collaboration with the AI team, implement automated data analysis and reasoning pipelines for screened materials; contribute to feedback loop design between measurement and prediction

In collaboration with the engineering team, develop autonomous systems for property characterization leveraging robotics and programmable instrumentation

Evaluate, procure, and commission new instrumentation; develop custom measurement setups where commercial solutions are insufficient

Define and enforce data standards, metadata schemas, and documentation practices to ensure measurement outputs are reproducible and reusable

Uphold and contribute to lab safety standards, particularly around cryogenic systems, high-field magnets, and hazardous materials

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field, with 5+ years of hands-on experience in physical property characterization

Deep, demonstrated expertise in electronic and magnetic property measurements, including resistivity, Hall effect, magnetometry, and heat capacity

Strong background in cryogenic measurements and low-noise techniques, including lock-in methods, shielding/grounding, and precision instrumentation

Strong track record of highly impactful research demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and/or inventions, and recognized leadership in the field

Proficiency with data analysis (e.g., Python/Jupyter, familiarity with instrument SDKs a plus) and disciplined data management practices

Excellent scientific writing, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strong ownership of experiment quality

Ability to communicate measurement requirements and findings clearly to AI, engineering, and materials science collaborators

Experience with automation of physical property measurement platforms (e.g., PPMS, MPMS, custom rigs)

Experience with the computational prediction and experimental characterization design loop

Experience with spectroscopic characterization techniques such as ARPES, neutron scattering, or optical spectroscopy

Experience with lab buildout, instrument commissioning, and process safety

Experience handling and managing data at scale, including LIMS or similar data infrastructure

Previous work at national laboratories or large-scale user facilities

Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree or similar experience

Employment type: Full-time, 12-month term

Location: Our lab is located in Menlo Park and we prefer folks to be located in Menlo Park or San Francisco but can be flexible based on role

Compensation: $225,000-325,000 + equity

Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas.

We’re building a team of the world’s best — the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don’t just follow the frontier, they define it. If you’re driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.